Troy University alumnus Tommy Hicks recently became the 68th president of the Football Writers Association of America.

Hicks, a 1976 TROY graduate with a double major in art and journalism, is a columnist with the Mobile Press-Register. His term began on Jan. 10 in Scottsdale, Ariz., during the association’s annual breakfast meeting.

“Being selected to serve as president of the Football Writers Association of America is both a huge honor and opportunity,” Hicks said. “The FWAA is an organization that can count many of our profession’s best and most well-respected writers among its membership. I’m looking forward to what is ahead.”

Hicks’ presidency began with a flourish, first with the BCS National Title Game on Jan. 10 and then continuing with presentation banquets for both the Outland Trophy in Omaha and the Bronko Nagurski Award in Charlotte.

Hicks began his journalism career with the Phenix Citizen, his hometown newspaper in Phenix City, Ala. In 1979, he became sports editor of The Selma Times-Journal and later worked for The Montgomery Advertiser and The Anniston Star.

Hicks joined the staff of the Mobile Press-Register in 1992, but he still points to Troy University as the beginning point of his journalism career.

“The first sports writing job I had was writing for a student publication during my final year and a half at TROY,” Hicks said. “That opportunity and the education I received at TROY still benefits me today, 34 years later. I am always proud to tell people of my time at TROY and in the Hall School of Journalism, and I am quick to do so.”

Hicks is a three-time recipient of “Alabama Sportswriter of the Year” honor from the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association. In 2005, he was named Troy University’s Hall School of Journalism Outstanding Alumnus Award for print journalism.